Category: events

Today for Madi’s 16th Birthday Celebration, Mom will tell about how she learned to drive.

Xena: *yawn*

My Grandma was afraid to teach Mom, so she hired a professional driving teacher when Mom was 17. He said she was “a natural” and she passed her driving test the first time.

Xena: Seriously? People get paid to teach people how to drive? It just doesn’t look that hard. Push a stick here, turn a wheel there, move your feet around, and voilà, we are where we are going. Kind of sounds like a Dr. Seuss story, doesn’t it?

Don’t interrupt me, Xena. Where was I? Oh yes. Just a year or so sooner and Mom would have learned in the family ’54 Buick Century. The seats were blue, so Grandma called it Blue Belle. Grandma had to get another car because of all the salt on the roads to melt the snow. The salt killed that big, heavy car. Even its eyes fell in. This is a picture of what it looked like (credit to Mr. Google).

Xena: No wonder Mommy doesn’t let us have much salt. Uh, Lucy, isn’t that Angel Lexi in the back seat? Was she with Mom way back then?

Um, I don’t think so, Xe. We’ll have to check with Mom about that.

Here’s a picture from January, 1960, of the actual car with my Grandma and her sister in front of the apartment where Mom grew up.

Xena: Wait, Lucy. Who is that running from behind the bush?

*eyes wide* Let’s just keep going.

When Mom got a boyfriend…

Xena: Mommy got a boyfriend? Really? You’re fibbing, Luce. Mommy would never have a boyfriend. She’s married to Daddy.

When Mom got her first boyfriend a long time before she met Dad, he taught her how to drive something called a straight shift in his old Chevy Nova. We have another picture of what it looked like, courtesy again of Mr. Google. Mom says it was old and beat up and had red seats and didn’t look nearly that good.

Here’s the funny part. Her boyfriend lived out in the country with lots of woods. One part had a dirt track around it, so he showed Mom how to change gears and told her to just drive around the track. She got going too fast and forgot which foot to use for the brake ’cause there were now three pedals instead of two. This silly boy stood in the track waving his arms and yelling at her to stop. She didn’t want to run him over so she swerved into the woods and the car bumped over rocks and big sticks and barely missed trees until it finally stalled out on top of a log. A few days later, after he fixed his car, he took Mom into town and told her to drive his car around while he went into a store. The main road, State Street, was on a bit of a hill. Mom had stopped at a red light, and the car behind her kept running into her bumper. Finally, the man got out of his car and came up to Mom’s window. He explained that it was her drifting back into him, and did she have her foot on the break. She said no, just on the clutch. So that’s how Mom learned to drive a stick shift.

Xena: I think I will just learn to drive our T-Lex.

Our what?

Xena: Our T-Lex. That’s what Mommy named the car she bought for Angel Lexi before Lexi was an Angel. It’s a Toyota Lexus, hence T-Lex. Isn’t Mommy funny, he, he? How old do I have to be to drive?

I think 16 years old.

Xena: Oh. Well let’s just wish Madi of Madi and Mom a very, very happy 16th birthday, and happy driving!

Lots of love from Lucy, Xena and Mom

This is a blog hop, but since Mom isn’t smart enough can never get linked up properly, just hop over to Madi and Mom’s blog to leave your birthday wishes and hop along.

I awoke from my nap and saw these fishies swimming by in the air. I thought maybe I was supposed to catch my own lunch. And this odd hat was perched on my head. Then, suddenly, these words came out of my mouth. Mommy says I’ve been infected by Dr. Seuss. I hope I won’t need a shot.

Xena: Oh. My. Dog. So that’s why you gave me this scarf that says Paris all over it. Quick, take my picture in front of that pointy thing, or nobody is going to believe this.

Mom: Don’t you want to get closer?

Xena: Nope. This is close enough. It’s big and pointy and I’m not sure if it would hurt me. *click*

Mom: How about this, Xena? It’s not as big and it sure isn’t pointy.

Xena: But what is it?

Mom: It’s a national monument, and it’s called the Arc de Triomphe. Napoleon, the French Emperor, had the Arc built over 200 years ago . He wanted to honor the Grande Armee, the name of the French army at that time. The Grande Armee had conquered most of Europe and was then considered invincible. In other words, no one could beat them at war.

Xena: Really? The words just sort of came out. Did it sound ok? Could you understand me?

Mom: Certainement! How about if we go up to montmartre. Are you ready for lots of outside stair steps, like over 300?

Xena: Race you!

Mom: *pant pant* Here is one of the most famous cathedrals in all the world. It is called *pant pant* Sacré-Cœur, or *pant pant* Sacred Heart.

Xena: Ohhhh, let’s go inside.

Mom: Well, if they’ll let us.

Xena: I’m the church puppy. Of course they will let us!

See, I told you they would let us in. My, this is so, so big! Does God live in here?

Mom: No, sweetie. God lives in you and me and all of his creatures. People come to places like this to worship God together, and to feel his love and his presence within themselves. God is the goodness glue that holds all of the universe together.

Xena: Do you mean the Methodists, Mommy? Cause that’s the only church I’ve been to.

Mom: Not just the Methodists, Xe Xe. God loves everyone: all Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, people of all faiths, and even people who don’t have their own faith. We are all his Valentines and he loves us all.

Xena: Happy Valentine’s Day, God!!

Mom: *smile* Let’s look around, precious girl. Do you see all the little alcoves off of the nave?

Xena: What’s a nave, Mommy?

Mom: It’s another word for a sanctuary, like we have at work at St. Luke. Anyhow, two hundred years ago when France had kings and queens and other aristocracy, those families paid the Catholic Church to have their own little chapels to worship in, right there off of the main cathedral. They could also pay to have a crypt where they would be buried after they died.

Xena: Ewwww. Do you mean someone dead is in that box? Ewwww.

Mom: Uh, maybe we should look around outside some more in montemartre…

This is Amy, Mom to Lucy and Xena, as well as Angel Lexi. I am sharing my gratefulness today for Blogville. I first used Dogster. Dogster limited its users to 5 pictures and there was no real community there. Because it had been bought out with the new owners talking about closing down the blogging portion, I decided to create my own website to blog about Lexi, my thespian schnauzer. I soon became addicted, and was thrilled every time someone new found The Adventures of Lexi the Schnauzer – actually, I still am!

Of course it’s easy to become attached to animals. I was, however, a bit surprised when I found myself starting to really care about many of the people behind the keyboards. I watched a true community form whenever someone was in need – whether it was for prayer, encouragement, financial, or all three. Then, when I was losing – and lost – my heart dog Lexi I was overwhelmed by the kindness, the caring, and the support I got from this community of people I had never met in person. I don’t know what I would have done without you.

Now, you join me in enjoying the antics of my girls. You commiserate with Lucy over her trials with the “cute puppy,” applaud her in her victories, worry for her when she runs off, and rejoice when she shows the world that bullie breeds are actually sweet, loving dogs. You follow along with Xena as she learns about her world, overcomes her fears, tries to dominate her bigger siblings and grows way to fast. And you give me many smiles and some tears with pictures and stories of your own furbabies.

Thank you. thank you, thank you for all of this. I am grateful for each and every one of you — friends who have become family. Wishing you folks here in the U.S.A. a wonderful Thanksgiving and hoping everyone else celebrates right along with us.

You didn’t think Blogville could get away with telling about favorite stories without me, did you? After all, I starred in my favorite story.

That’s me, way over on the right in Candice Dorothy’s arms. I am watching Mom for my next cue. This was in Georgia, my birth state, at the second WOZ production I starred in.

I was Toto is three different productions. The first time was at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre and remains my and Mom’s favorite. It had the best crew and best director and biggest attendance. Over a period of six weeks seven thousand people came to see me perform. It was my first time as a thespian schnauzer. As soon as I hit the stage in front of an audience the first night, I knew I had found my passion. I was called a ham and a stage hog. What is it with the references to pigs? Could I help if I was enthusiastic during every scene, every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, as well as during the afternoon on Saturdays and Sundays? Could I help it if I danced back and forth on the stage with the Tin Man during one of his “solo” performances? OK, so maybe I could have helped that one. That’s the time I got called “that dog.” But I had been watching him for several performances and I knew the steps to the dance!

Mommy, thank you for helping me be the best Toto ever; for all the rides and treats and training and prompting and encouragement when I got tired, especially during my last performance. I remember how you held me and explained to me that it would be my last time on the stage, ever. You said you knew I was 11 years old and exhausted after performing once already that day. And you asked me to give it my all, my best, one last time. And I did. I shone. I performed like my life depended on it. I gave it everything I had, and you knew that. You were so proud of me, and that made me happy. I was your star.

Some of my favorite pups had a ball, er, a great time, at the Blogville Spring Break.

Christmas the dachshund hosted a Treasure Hunt. Be sure to drop by to see what everyone found.

Piper and Shelby looking for the critter that left those huge eggs.

Oreo hosted the Surfing event. I didn’t see anyone wipeout, but boy, could they all hang 16!

Lucy surfing

Riley surfing

Madi and her Mom hosted everyone at Pullen Park, where there were tons of rides and things to do.

I’m Shelby and no one gets a ball past me!

Piper made up his own games on the Merry-Go-Round.

None of my crew wanted to go Hula Dancing (OK, Shelby did, but Piper refused), but you can go over to Dory’s Backyard to see all the hip swinging fun.You will also find more links to great food hosted by Abby Lab as well as more fun at Dory’s. You can also go on the journey to find out how a tropical date with Dory turned into a Spring Break with all the anipals honoring her. We love and miss you, sweet girl.

I got excited about entering the Earth Day Challenge that Louis Dog Armstrong, who is in charge of the A&E Department, is sponsoring. The earth is the only home that I will ever have that will let me do my pee pee and poo poo on it. Seriously. Think about it. So I want to help make sure it is here as long as we are. I heard that it helps to plant a tree, so I thought up something really special. I planted a Dog Treat Tree!

First, I dug a hole. Then, I planted a dog bone treat (see red arrow). Next, I made some fertilizer (see blue arrow). Finally, I fish ya’ll liced what the tree will look like when it is grown. I learned how to do that fish ya’ll lice thing by watching the video my Sister Angel Lexi made. I can’t wait until the tree is big and I can pick and eat the bones. I hope it will be ready in less than 87 days. I hope I did a good job for Earth Day!

When Aunt Amy told me about the Spring Break Beach Party, all I could think about was taking you to the beach. I know you don’t really like water, so we don’t have to go swimming or participate in the Scuba Diving or Surfing events. But wouldn’t it be great fun to run free on the beach?

Shelby, you will be so beautiful running with me!

We could also join in the Treasure Hunt — maybe we will find some bones to chew! And the Amusement Park looked like fun too. I promise we will only go on the rides you like.

A bit late, but better late than never, right? The self-portrait challenge results are being displayed on the Arts & Entertainment Website, where you will see over 20 self-portraits as well as ours, below.

Piper is head over paws about Shelby, and we think Shelby may feel the same way. However, not wanting to take any chances of someone else sweeping in, Piper screws up his courage and asks…

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

In other news, Gracie went to Florida to meet up with Noodle for the big party tomorrow. Since Lexi loved them both, they decided to honor her by going to the Valentine’s Day Bash together as friends. They thought it would be a good idea to get to know each other first…

Listen, Gracie. I think Mom’s calling us for dinner.

You kids have fun and don’t do anything Lexi wouldn’t have. (Oh boy, I think I just opened it up for too much fun…)

Angel Lexi is having a bit more fun here than she let on in her submission.

Riley – Angel Lexi’s brother – was a bit skittish around these gentle giants, but soon learned there was nothing to fear and took up their cause with gusto.
To learn about these endangered species and many more you can go to the Endangered Species Challenge created and sponsored by Blogville’s Arts and Entertainment Director, Louis the Dog Armstrong.

I knew Shelby had been stuck in the house with her brother and sister for 87 weeks after her surgery and was needing some peace and quiet. I thought about the beach, but Shelby was concerned about sand and bacteria getting in her incision, even if it was completely healed. So for our first date all alone, I took Shelby to a lovely little cabin in the mountains. Heck, I can hang out just about anywhere and be ok, but I wanted my girl to have some comfort and pretty surroundings. She is a girl after all, and I learned from my Mom that girls like those things.

I thought we could start with a little stroll leading up to the cabin.

We arrived just before the sun started to drop behind the trees. I was a little nervous about the cabin being nice enough.

Shelby, do you like the cabin?

Once inside, we thought we would rest in front of the TV for a while.

We watched a show, but all I could see on the TV was Shelby.. so I tried to look at some books, but again, all I could see was Shelby!

By now we were both hungry. I heard that Shelby loves mangoes, so I made sure to get some. I didn’t know if she liked her steak cooked or raw, so I had Mom pack both.

We had a big day, and with our tummies full, we started to nod off. We each went to our own bedrooms, ’cause we are good pups. However, someone started hearing things and got scared.

I might have awakened Shelby, but I felt safe I knew she was safe, and we I slept well the rest of the night.

We got up early the next morning to do a bit of fishing, then watched the sun rise over the lake. What a beautiful finish to a perfect date. I sure hope Shelby felt the same way.

Note: the graphics in this post were made possible through the help of Noodle’s Mom, Samantha.

There was a time that Lexi loved going to The Market. That was before the operators of the TN Pavilion banned dogs “for health reasons.” I happen to know it was really because some of the vendors threatened to pull out because of dogs urinating on their goods. I guess you could call that health reasons if it was fruit and vegetables. After the ban on dogs, I refused to go, since I couldn’t take Lexi. This picture is from the fall of 2006 when Lexi was growing out her hair to play Toto. And yes, that is me with long blonde hair!

I went today with Jeff. Jeff plays alto sax in Chattanooga’s Big Band, Sweet Georgia Sound. They play at The Market in the Tennessee Pavilion in downtown Chattanooga at least twice a year. In the picture on the right, Jeff is front, far right. The band mostly plays the American Standards, and today they were honoring the veterans (Veteran’s Day is this coming Friday).

Jeff splintered the small bones in the top of his right foot about a year and a half ago and is still not able to do much ballroom dancing. Several dancers we know had claimed a couple of the tables directly in front of the dance floor, and beckoned me over to sit with them. In ballroom, everyone dances together, so I got more dancing in today than I have in ages. Jeff even came out of the band to dance a swing and a foxtrot with me!

These folks were outside the Pavilion, doing their own thing for tips, and they were good!

The Market is a riot of colors, smells and sounds. There is enough original artwork to open a small gallery.

Lots of arts and crafts

I had to share a picture of this original “toy” truck holding none other than Tennessee Whiskey and two Jack Daniels shot glasses. How would you like to see this coming down the road?

There were lots of food vendors and I had a delicious pulled pork sandwich with slaw and BBQ sauce. There were also baked goods, produce, honey, jewelry, soap – all homemade or homegrown – and lots more for sale. The weather was sunny and in the mid-70’s F, so The Market drew a huge crowd today.